SA: Linda Sikhakhane revisits Inner Freedom single

‘Inner Freedom (revisited)’ is available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms. The enchanting piece was co-produced by Nduduzo Makhathini and opens with a strong groove deeply rooted in maskandi followed by a meditative melody with Sikhakhane taking the lead on the saxophone.

“Freedom starts from within and somehow my music is a reflection of what I regard as inner freedom,” Sikhakhane told Music In Africa. “It is an imagination of three dimensions of freedom, namely spiritual, psychological and physical, in this particular order. These dimensions have a relationship with one another which constitutes a dialogue with existence.

“The song re-emerged in my spirit, I believe the message it carries is being channelled through me once again. It comes back with a steady harmonic structure which to me sounds as if we are no longer seeking freedom but accessing it.”

Sikhakhane’s love for music began at an early age, but flourished at the Siyakhula Music Centre under the tutelage of Brian Thusi. After earning his diploma in jazz from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he moved to Johannesburg to further advance his career as a saxophonist, where he subsequently won the SAMRO overseas scholarship in 2016. In 2020, he was featured by Apple Music as part of the streaming platform’s New Artist Spotlight series for the month of November, making him the second South African jazz musician to achieve the feat.

His 2017 debut offering Two Sides, One Mirror featured a superior cast of young mavericks in the improvised music scene. The compositions were lyrical, offering the listener a chance to remain fully immersed in the spiritual aspects of the music while concurrently admiring the studious nature of its technical proficiency.

He has worked with an array of local artists including the late Sibongile Khumalo, Khaya Mahlangu, Nduduzo Makhathini, Thandiswa Mazwai and Herbie Tsoaeli, as well as American musicians Gregory Porter, Rodney Kendrick, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Logan Richardson, Derrick Hodge and Ted Daniel.